Calling all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers.This page is for any math ideas you may have. Please make sure that you provide the topic area. Geometry: One of the best ways I have found for teaching geometry is hands-on instruction. Anytime manipulatives can be used, "use them!"
1. Paper Plate Angles: Take paper plates of 2 colors. Cut one from the outside to the center of each plate. Then slide the 2 plates together. Now they can slide around to create angles. The kids love this one.
2. Geometry I Have Who Has: This game is very time consuming in the beginning, but after some practice with the game and the definitions it will be a highlight of your day. The word list was supplied from Burke County. I will find it and add it to this page later.
3. For Transformations (Reflections) use mirrors and let the kids copy the alphabet from a handwriting book upside down. You can use graph paper to do the translations and the rotations. For rotations do the electric slide. Stop the kids at each quarter turn and ask them how many degrees they have turned from the starting point (90, 180, 270, 360)
4. Use a mirror to reinforce reflection. Use a globe to reinforce rotation
5. Let the kids be "Mind Readers" with shapes. Tell them "I am thinking of a shape with ...." and use particular characteristics of that shape. Example, "I am thinking of a shape with four sides, four congruent angles, oppsite sides are paralell, and opposite side congruent." As you give the clues they narrow down the possibilities as a whole class. What is it - a rectangle! This can also be done with solids.
6. Let kids use gumdrops and toothpicks to construct 3-D shapes. Then introduce have the kids count the vertices and edges of each shape.
7. Use drinking straws to construct 3D shapes also.
Geometry:
One of the best ways I have found for teaching geometry is hands-on instruction. Anytime manipulatives can be used, "use them!"
1. Paper Plate Angles: Take paper plates of 2 colors. Cut one from the outside to the center of each plate. Then slide the 2 plates together. Now they can slide around to create angles. The kids love this one.
2. Geometry I Have Who Has: This game is very time consuming in the beginning, but after some practice with the game and the definitions it will be a highlight of your day. The word list was supplied from Burke County. I will find it and add it to this page later.
3. For Transformations (Reflections) use mirrors and let the kids copy the alphabet from a handwriting book upside down. You can use graph paper to do the translations and the rotations. For rotations do the electric slide. Stop the kids at each quarter turn and ask them how many degrees they have turned from the starting point (90, 180, 270, 360)
4. Use a mirror to reinforce reflection. Use a globe to reinforce rotation
5. Let the kids be "Mind Readers" with shapes. Tell them "I am thinking of a shape with ...." and use particular characteristics of that shape. Example, "I am thinking of a shape with four sides, four congruent angles, oppsite sides are paralell, and opposite side congruent." As you give the clues they narrow down the possibilities as a whole class. What is it - a rectangle! This can also be done with solids.
6. Let kids use gumdrops and toothpicks to construct 3-D shapes. Then introduce have the kids count the vertices and edges of each shape.
7. Use drinking straws to construct 3D shapes also.